Failed snapshot - File <unspecified filename> was not found
I recently ran out of space on a vmware host and moved files manually from the datastore to a local server in our environment. After freeing up some space, I replaced the files but now receive the error: File <unspecified filename> was not found when attempting to perform a snapshot. I am able to run the machine - even after a power down / restart etc. I just cannot create a snapshot. I am not sure what file it cannot find. How do I go about finding that out the file name. Saying "unspecified" - doesn't help!
Any ideas.
Any ideas.
If you copied the actual snapshot you moved back, it should work. When you open the snapshot manager, does it show any other snapshots there after you put it back? You should really delete snapshot rather than move them to another location. When you delete the snapshot, it just copies the changes to the vmdk file. Also, try thin provisioning your VMs so they dont all the space unless it has to.
ASKER
I believe I moved all the files back ... looked several times. Is there a way to determine what file it is looking for?
Also, you may want to ssh into the host and check the logs to see if it will provide more details. What version of ESX are you running?
ASKER
I am running - ESXi 5.1.0 799733
What SSH command do I use?
What SSH command do I use?
can you screenshot the datastore, and I'll work with you to try and fix your issue.
see my EE Article on snapshots
HOW TO: VMware Snapshots :- Be Patient
see my EE Article on snapshots
HOW TO: VMware Snapshots :- Be Patient
In vShpere, select the "Configuration" tab, then select "Security Profile" under Software. Select "Properties" next to services then select SSH and start it manually. Remember to stop it again after you are done.
Once ssh is started, use putty or your terminal to ssh in: ssh root@hostip or name
Once ssh is started, use putty or your terminal to ssh in: ssh root@hostip or name
Actually, I just saw something where you can export the system logs from vSphere so you dont have to ssh in.
Select the host, then select File, Export, Export System Logs.
Select the host, then select File, Export, Export System Logs.
ASKER
ASKER
I was able to login via SSH... what command do I need to run?
I am just trying to get the log files or is there a way to determine which file is missing?
I am just trying to get the log files or is there a way to determine which file is missing?
I think the first command you need to run is the following to check the virtual disk is consistent, and the snapshot chain is entact and correct.
also check the vmdk...(but you will need to power off the VM)
# vmkfstools -e filename.vmdk
For a complete chain, you see output similar to:
Disk chain is consistent
complete this for both virtual disks, I see you have two virtual disks attached to the VM, is this correct?
also, it's possible that a snapshot file is missing from virtual disk no.2
also check the vmdk...(but you will need to power off the VM)
# vmkfstools -e filename.vmdk
For a complete chain, you see output similar to:
Disk chain is consistent
complete this for both virtual disks, I see you have two virtual disks attached to the VM, is this correct?
also, it's possible that a snapshot file is missing from virtual disk no.2
ASKER
Virtual disk 2 is not needed... it was a second volume on the server for data. It was not being used so it was removed from vm and subsequently deleted from disk. (hope this isnt the prob)
did you remove from the VM?
also confirm virtual disk is consistent.
also confirm virtual disk is consistent.
ASKER
Yes it was removed from the VM.
see attached to view the error received when running the command.
Capture2.PNG
see attached to view the error received when running the command.
Capture2.PNG
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ASKER
how do I examine the headers of the snapshots?
Look at the vmdk file its text only
Did you state you can start the VM?